John 6 Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

1 Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias),

2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick.

3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples.

4 The Jewish Passover Feast was near.

5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?”

6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

7 Philip answered him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up,

9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them.

11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”

13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

14 After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

16 Jesus Walks on the Water
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake,

17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.

18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.

19 When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified.

20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone.

23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.

24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.

25 Jesus the Bread of Life
When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

26 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.

27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

30 So they asked him, “What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?

31 Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

32 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.

33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

34 “Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.”

35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.

37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.

39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.

40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

41 At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”

42 They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered.

44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.

45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.

46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father.

47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.

48 I am the bread of life.

49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died.

50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die.

51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

53 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.

56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.

57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.

58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.”

59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

60 Many Disciples Desert Jesus
On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you?

62 What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!

63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.

65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.”

66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

69 We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!”

71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

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Analysis of John Chapter 6

John 6 is one of the most theologically rich and narratively dynamic chapters in the Gospel of John. It offers profound insights into Jesus’ identity, mission, and the nature of true discipleship. This analysis aims to deeply explore the themes, symbolism, and theological implications present in this chapter, which contains the famed accounts of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, Jesus walking on water, and the Bread of Life discourse.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand (John 6:1-15)

This section begins with Jesus crossing to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee, where a large crowd follows Him because they saw the miraculous signs He had performed on the sick. This sets the stage for one of Jesus’ most well-known miracles: feeding a multitude with just five barley loaves and two small fish.

“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” (John 6:11)

The miracle is a sign pointing to a deeper spiritual reality. Jesus’ actions here echo Moses’ provision of manna in the wilderness, prefiguring the spiritual sustenance Christ will offer through His teachings and, ultimately, through His sacrificial death. The fact that there were twelve baskets of leftovers can be seen as a symbol of the twelve tribes of Israel, suggesting the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people.

In a deeper sense, this miracle illustrates Jesus as the Provider and points toward the Eucharist, symbolic of Jesus’ body and blood offered for spiritual nourishment. The crowd’s reaction, wanting to make Him king by force, indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of His mission. They perceive Him as a political Messiah rather than a spiritual Redeemer.

Jesus Walks on Water (John 6:16-24)

Immediately following the feeding of the five thousand is the dramatic episode where Jesus walks on water. This event occurs while the disciples are struggling in a boat against a strong wind on the lake. When they see Jesus approaching them, walking on the water, they are terrified. Jesus reassures them:

“It is I; don’t be afraid.” (John 6:20)

This miracle underscores Jesus’ authority over nature, reaffirming His divine identity. It serves as a manifestation of Jesus’ divine power and presence, encouraging the disciples to have faith even in the midst of life’s “storms.” This event is not only a miracle but a theophany—a visible manifestation of God’s presence.

Interestingly, the narrative here parallels the exodus story, where Moses parts the Red Sea. Jesus’ command over the waters signifies a new Exodus, where He leads not just Israel, but all humanity, from the bondage of sin into the promised reality of eternal life.

The Bread of Life Discourse (John 6:25-59)

This section contains some of the most profound theological teachings in John’s Gospel. After the crowd finds Jesus on the other side of the lake, He confronts them about their motivations:

“Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” (John 6:26)

Jesus moves the conversation from physical nourishment to spiritual sustenance, declaring Himself to be the “bread of life”:

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

This statement is a radical shift from the audience’s expectation of a Messiah who provides physical needs to a Savior who offers eternal spiritual fulfillment. Jesus is positioning Himself as the essential sustenance for spiritual life, much like bread is essential for physical survival.

Further, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of belief and participation in His life and mission. This leads to a challenging teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood:

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:54)

On a theological level, this can be seen as an anticipation of the sacrament of Communion, where believers partake in the body and blood of Christ. This discourse shakes the listeners, as it directly challenges their understandings and expectations, pushing them to a deeper, more spiritual comprehension of what Jesus offers.

Reactions to Jesus’ Teachings (John 6:60-71)

Jesus’ teachings in this chapter provoke varied responses. Many disciples find His words difficult to accept and choose to abandon Him:

“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” (John 6:66)

This reaction is a poignant reminder of the cost of discipleship. True followership often involves grappling with difficult truths and accepting the challenging aspects of faith. In contrast, the Twelve remain faithful:

“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.’” (John 6:68-69)

Peter’s declaration highlights the essential belief in Jesus’ divine origin and mission. It underscores the disciples’ commitment despite their limited understanding, exemplifying genuine faith and trust in Jesus.

On a deeper level, this section juxtaposes belief and unbelief, commitment and abandonment, and showcases that true discipleship is characterized by unwavering faith in Christ, even when His teachings are challenging and beyond human comprehension.

Conclusion

John Chapter 6 is a masterclass in theological narrative, blending miracle stories with profound teachings to reveal the multifaceted identity of Jesus. The feeding of the five thousand and the walking on water serve as signs pointing to Jesus’ divine authority and provision. The Bread of Life discourse challenges believers to seek deeper spiritual nourishment in Christ, moving beyond mere physical sustenance.

This chapter also starkly contrasts the responses to Jesus, illustrating the cost of discipleship and the depths of true faith. John 6 thus serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of Jesus’ mission and the radical call to follow Him, encouraging readers to reflect deeply on their spiritual hunger and the eternal sustenance offered by Christ.

Through miracles and teachings, John 6 beckons believers to recognize Jesus as the ultimate source of life and salvation and to respond with a faith that is enduring and profound. It is a call to move beyond superficial understanding and to embrace the transformative, life-giving relationship with the Savior who offers Himself as the Bread of Life. This chapter, rich in symbolism and spiritual depth, continues to nourish and challenge followers of Christ in their journey of faith.

Understanding the Key Messages in John 6: Insights and Explanation

In this chapter, Jesus performs the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. He uses just five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a large crowd. This event demonstrates his power and compassion as he meets the physical needs of the people. The chapter also includes Jesus walking on water and teaching about himself as the bread of life.

Notes

This chapter highlights Jesus' role as the provider of physical and spiritual sustenance. It shows his ability to meet our needs and points to the greater truth that he is the source of true life.